Coronary artery imaging with a computerized linear diode array radiographic system

Initial results for a new technique of imaging the small and rapidly moving coronary arteries using linear arrays of self-scanning diodes coupled directly to a computer are described. The technique involves a thin, fan shaped x-ray beam and a phosphor screen fiber optically coupled to a set of light sensitive self-scanning linear diode arrays that are scanned across the heart to give a scatter-free, high detail digital image. Coronary arteries have been imaged successfully in the rapidly moving heart of 23 kg dogs using both aortic root and intravenous injections. In the aortic root injection, coronary arteries as small as 0.3 no have been imaged. This is the first step in the development of a noninvasive, low-dose technique for the early detection and quantification of atherosclerotic disease in human coronary arteries presently going on in our laboratory.